Bredesen cabinet member steps down

Created 10/21/2010 - 9:04pm

Staff reports

As the reign of Gov. Phil Bredesen draws to a close, more top-level members of his staff are exiting their roles.

The announcement Tuesday that Steve Elkins, legal counsel to the governor and a member of Bredesen’s cabinet, was stepping down to return to the private sector didn’t come as a shock to political watchers.

“It has been an honor to serve Gov. Bredesen and the state of Tennessee for nearly eight years,” Elkins said. “I have been privileged to help Gov. Bredesen and his administration develop and implement his agenda, and I am confident that Tennesseans will continue to benefit from his legacy of accomplishment in the years ahead.”

Elkins has been a member of the governor’s legal counsel since December 2006. He was a member of Bredesen’s campaign staff and transition team before joining the administration as deputy legal counsel in January 2003.

“Steve has provided valuable input on a number of complex issues, including historic appointments to the state’s judiciary and difficult decisions on clemency petitions,” Bredesen said. “I have relied on Steve for legal advice, but I’ve also sought his input and counsel on a variety of other issues. Steve’s thoughtful, reasoned approach has been a great asset to me during my time as governor.”